The Ultimate Student Guide to the University of Oregon

Since its founding in 1859, the University of Oregon has produced a pretty impressive group of alumni, including seven governors, two Nobel Prize winners, 13 Pulitzer Prize winners, 19 Rhodes Scholars, 13 Olympic medalists, and six NFL Hall of Famers. With over 24,000 students today, how are you going to make your mark and stand out as one of the great achievers going to UO? Check out the infographic below to see how you stack up with your classmates and how today’s student body is representing the University of Oregon.

A Brief History

In the mid 1800s Congress required Oregon to open a public university and by 1876 the University of Oregon opened its doors to the first 155 students taught by five faculty members. After a brief stint in 1881 where the university nearly closed due to debt, the university flourished and saw great increases in enrollment, budget, facilities, and faculty members to get to where it is today. In 2013 a bill was passed, allowing the University of Oregon to be run by a private Board of Trustees, making UO an independent public body and making the university less reliant on state funding while gaining more autonomy.

Students Today

Today students at the University of Oregon can pursue degrees in more than 270 degree programs across eight schools and colleges. Most students, roughly 20%, study business and psychology; other popular majors include sociology, economics, and physiology. Students can also participate in more than 250 student organizations and groups and 14 NCAA Division I sports teams. The University of Oregon Ducks have won a combined 88 NCAA team and individual championships, including cross country and track and field, which have enjoyed the most success.

While the primary focus for many students at the University of Oregon is academics, there are plenty of other ways for students to get involved and participate in on-campus events and activities. This semester spend some of your time on campus finding where you fit in with the rest of the student body at UO.